Although no one will judge you for shrieking at the sight of Ellen DeGeneres, L.A. is more than just a celebrity hot spot. (We love you Ellen.)
1. Mediterranean climate
Although the climate does vary depending on where you are, L.A. generally experiences dry summers and mild winters. On average, the city also receives only 35 days of measurable precipitation annually.
2. Ethnic diversity
As one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the United States, L.A. is home to residents from over 140 countries, speaking 224 different languages. It holds many culturally-rich enclaves and ethnic neighborhoods, including Chinatown, Koreatown and Little Bangladesh.
3. Entertainment industry
In 2011, the entertainment industry poured $47 billion into the county’s economy, as reported in a 2012 Los Angeles Times article. Today, L.A. continues to serve as the nation’s film and television center, with three of the six major film studios located within the city limits.
Photo via nito / Shutterstock.com
4. Pollution
According to the 2016 American Lung Association’s State of the Air Report, Los Angeles continues to have the worst ozone pollution in the nation. However, it has also reported its best air quality to date (in the history of the reports).
5. Traffic
In 2015, drivers in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana region spent an average of 81 hours in traffic. According to researchers, the city experiences the worst traffic in the country.
